NASA’s New Chief Technologist Visits CFDRC

Huntsville, AL -- NASA’s new Chief Technologist Dr. Mason Peck and Space Technology Program Director Dr. Michael Gazarik visited CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) on Thursday, March 8, 2012. They were accompanied by MSFC Chief Technologist Dr. Andrew Keys and other NASA and media representatives. NASA selected CFDRC for this visit because of the company’s strong history in technology development and commercialization.

CFDRC engineers and scientists showcased the company’s wide range of advanced technologies ranging from space rocket engine prototypes to virtual human body models. Some of the highlighted projects included new concepts for Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators that will be used for slowing down spacecraft landing on Mars or other planets, and a suite of microfluidic technologies and sensors for monitoring astronaut health in space environments, where a complete medical laboratory is miniaturized onto a credit card sized chip for real-time monitoring of astronaut health.

Dr. Peck said NASA will be making significant investments in new technology development and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Dr. Peck called CFDRC technology work a "great example of the kind of innovation that happens when NASA support small businesses." He also said that when NASA invests in technology, we enable small business, and small businesses, in turn, create jobs.

CFD Research Corporation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and has received numerous SBIR Phase II and other technology development contracts from NASA, including Marshall Space Flight Center, said CEO Sangeeta Singhal.

NASA has played a significant role in CFDRC’s growth and success, said Singhal. The company has developed "great technologies" with funding and guidance from the agency, she said. CFDRC leverages the technology funded by NASA to serve DoD, other agencies and the industry by technology commercialization and transition, said Sami Habchi, CFDRC Executive Vice President for Aerospace and Defense.